Background and experience
Tom-Daniel Laugerud is an Exercise Physiologist with a master's degree in Sports Medicine from the Norwegian School of Sport Sciences (NIH). His work combines clinical exercise physiology, research, education, innovation and health service development, with a particular focus on translating research and evidence-based knowledge into practical applications in healthcare, education and public health.
At NIH, he works as a researcher (40%) in the EU-funded Sport-IE project (EIT Higher Education Initiative), coordinating and implementing NIH's activities within the European partnership. The project aims to strengthen innovation and entrepreneurial capacity within sport science higher education across Europe. His responsibilities include developing educational activities, fostering collaboration between academia and external stakeholders, and supporting the implementation of project outcomes into existing educational structures. Particular areas of focus include practice-oriented education, student employability and innovative approaches to promoting physical activity and health.
He also serves as an adviser and coordinator (50%) at the Oslo Research Centre for Physical Activity and Population Health (ORC-PAPH). His responsibilities include coordinating the centre's activities, supporting its strategic development, facilitating research communication and strengthening collaboration with external stakeholders. A particular focus of his work is knowledge translation, ensuring that research on physical activity and population health contributes to evidence-based policymaking, public health initiatives and the development of healthcare services.
In addition to his research and coordination responsibilities, he teaches at bachelor's and master's levels in the Department of Sports Medicine, contributing to both teaching and educational development.
Alongside his academic roles, Laugerud works part-time as an Exercise Physiologist within the Norwegian specialist healthcare services. His clinical work involves delivering individually tailored exercise-based treatment as part of multidisciplinary care for patients with substance use disorders, integrating physical activity into established treatment pathways. Laugerud is also Vice President of the Norwegian Association of Exercise Physiologists (NFHT), where he contributes to the professional development and recognition of exercise physiology.
Previously, he served as President of the Student Council at NIH from 2022 to 2025 and chaired the student-led Student Clinic from 2023 to 2025, promoting practical learning, student engagement and collaboration with external partners.
Before entering the field of physical activity and health in 2020, he worked in project management, organisational development, communications and digital media across the public and private sectors, including nearly four years with the Norwegian Armed Forces. He also holds undergraduate qualifications in organisational leadership and management, as well as digital media production. This background provides experience in leading projects, coordinating multidisciplinary initiatives and translating ideas into practical solutions.
Teaching
Laugerud teaches at bachelor's and master's levels in the Department of Sports Medicine, combining theoretical knowledge with clinical and practical applications.
His teaching activities include:
- Exercise medicine and clinical exercise physiology
- Healthcare legislation and professional practice
- Innovation and entrepreneurship
- Physical activity promotion
- Professional placements and employability
He also contributes to curriculum development and the design of practice-oriented educational activities that strengthen connections between academic knowledge, clinical practice and professional working environments.
Research
Laugerud's research interests focus on physical activity and exercise in disease prevention, treatment and rehabilitation, particularly clinical exercise physiology and the integration of exercise-based interventions into healthcare services.
His primary interests include exercise-based treatment for substance use disorders, particularly alcohol use disorder (AUD), which was the focus of his master's research. He is also interested in translating research into clinical practice, health service development and evidence-based public health policy.
Additional interests include innovation and entrepreneurship in sport science and health, practice-oriented education and strengthening connections between higher education and professional practice.